THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING IN MARCH FOR THE FALLEN 2017!

The March for the Fallen is a greater community event hosted by the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Training Center at Fort Indiantown Gap to honor the memory of all that have fallen in the defense of our nation.

28 Mile - March for the Fallen and 14 Mile - Honor MarchParticipants will experience challenging routes, varying from asphalt road to rolling and steep mountain trails, consisting of dirt and gravel on the training lands of Fort Indiantown Gap. The course start point elevation is 500.77’ and climbs to 1239.43’ on Second Mountain of the Appalachian Mountain Range; low point elevation is 484.28’ and is within the first mile of the course. There are several water points, food points, medical stations and bathrooms along the courses. Both courses are looped routes with the 28 mile course proceeding further west and to a higher elevation before returning to the finish line. Miles 10 through 18 are especially challenging with the terrain and elevation presenting increasing challenges to the participant.

5K - Run for the FallenTimed races that are open to the public. The 5K sanctioned course is a relatively flat, but challenging out-and-back asphalt route through the cantonment area of Fort Indiantown Gap. There are water stations located at various points along the course and splits will be available at all mile markers. Kids 12 years of age and younger can participate in the 5K Run for free.

28 Mile - Hand Cycle Division Race The Hand Cycle Division Race will be a 3.1 mile repeating course that will be executed 8 times around the track with a final lap around Strickler Field. The registration for this division will be capped at 50 competitors.

The March For The Fallen began in April 2012 when a group of Pennsylvania National Guard members, inspired by the Bataan Death March event in White Sands, New Mexico, organized a march to honor the fallen in Pennsylvania. The inaugural event took place at Fort Indiantown Gap, near Annville, with a satellite march in Erie, Pennsylvania. The first course took marchers on two treks to the top of Second Mountain. As the event purpose expanded and participation increased, The March For the Fallen was established as an enduring event to honor all of the fallen in service to the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is 2017 March For The Fallen?A: All 2017 March For The Fallen events are on Saturday, September 16, 2017 with pre-march meal on Friday, September 15, 2017.

Q: Where do March For The Fallen events start and finish?A: The March For The Fallen events start and end at Strickler Field at the intersection of Asher Miner Road and PA State Route 443 on Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA:

Q: What is the best way to get to the Strickler Field?A: Exit 85B of Interstate Route 81. Travel North on PA State Route 934/Fischer Avenue, follow signs for parking.

Q: How much does it cost to create a team name?A: No cost, but subject to approval.

Q: Is there a maximum capacity for the March for the Fallen?A: Yes, the combined capacity for the March for the Fallen, Honor March and 5k Run in Honor is 3,000.

Q: Can I transfer my registration?A: Sorry, the March For The Fallen does not have a registration transfer program.

Q: Can I defer my registration until next year?A: No, the March For The Fallen does not have a deferral program.

Q: Is there a Youth Run?A: YES! All kids 12 years of age an younger can participate in the 5K for free. Strickler field. The run begins at 12:30pm.

Q: Do I have to wear a uniform if I'm entering a military category?A: Yes, participants in military categories must adhere to the uniform specifications described in the Uniform Section.

Q: Does military heavy have to wear an LBE with the rucksack?A: No. Although the LBE is usually considered part of the combat gear associated with the rucksack, the rules do not require them for the military heavy categories of this march.

Q: I am in the heavy category, what is an acceptable way to reach the 35 lbs for my backpack?A: For the heavy category we would like to encourage you to bring beans, rice, non perishable items, cans, macaroni, pasta, cat/dog food to use as weight in you backpack. At the conclusion for the march, you can drop your items in a collection bin and it will be donated to a local food bank.

Q: What are the requirements for entering the team categories?A: Teams will consist of a minimum of 4 members and can be any number larger. Team time stops when the last member crosses the finish line.

Q: Can someone else pick up my packet for me on Friday or Saturday?A: Yes, you may have someone else pick up your packet. They will be asked to sign for it. For teams, only the Team Captain should pick up the packets for the entire team. If he/she cannot do this task another team member may be selected. If you are picking up a packet for another participant, please make sure they are aware, so as not to create confusion by them coming in later and asking for their packet. This will save time and confusion on everyone's behalf.

Q: Is there a team category for the 14 mile Honor March route?A: Yes.

Q: What is the weight requirement for the heavy divisions?A: Ruck (backpack) must equal 35 pounds.

Q: For JROTC/ROTC entries in the team categories, may the instructors march with the cadets as a team member?A: Yes. Any JROTC/ROTC instructor assigned to the entered unit's team may enter with the team and march as a member of that team.

Q: Is water and first aid available along the route?A: There are 15 water points along the route. There are also several first aid stations and roving medics along the route.

Q: Are there portable toilets along the route?A: There are portable toilets located along the route. We do suggest that you bring a bottle of hand sanitizer and/or sanitizing wipes.

Q: Can I get first aid supplies from March medics before the march?A: No. First aid (and necessary supplies) are administrated by trained medics along the route.

Q: What about food?A: Each participant should pack nutrition to consume on the course. Food vendors will be at Strickler Field for spectators.

Q: Can spectators go out on the route to watch?A: Spectators are not allowed on the routes. The safest and most comfortable place for spectators is Strickler Field.

Q: How old must you be to participate?A: There is a minimum age of 9 to participate in March for the Fallen. However, there is no minimum age for the remaining events providing the individual is registered and marching with a parent/guardian or a member of the family 18 years or older.

Q: Are strollers allowed on the route?A: Only for the 5K.

Q: Are pets allowed on the route?A: No. Pets are not permitted on the course or on Strickler Field. Exceptions are made for working service dogs with proper license, leash and vaccination.

Q: What is the maximum time allowed to complete the march?A: As long as there is continuous movement, participants will be permitted as much time as necessary to complete the course(s). However, planned events will be conducted according to the schedule.

Q: What is the difference between light and heavy?A: A light category does not carry a pack. A heavy category carries a 35 lb pack.

Q: What is the difference between military and civilian categories?A: If you are a civilian, you are only permitted to participate in civilian categories. Military can choose to enter either a civilian or military category. However, if entering a military category, military members must adhere to the uniform requirements.

Q: Is there a place for me to put my belongings at Strickler Field?A: No, we do not offer a gear check.

Q: Can I pick up my packet the day of the race?A: Yes. Packets may be picked up Friday (10:00am-1:00pm) & (4:00-7:00pm) and Saturday morning beginning at 5:30am.

Q: What do I get for finishing the March For The Fallen?A: Finishers get a coin. Placers get a medal.

Q: What happened to the Hawk Watch Challenge?A: It's still around. It's just been renamed to the Honor March.

#2017MFTF Course Routes

28 Mile - March for the Fallen

14 Mile - Hawk Watch Challenge

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